Holtspur Bank Nature reserve and Butterfly Reserve

A surprisingly hilly walk north of Beaconsfield and just south of Penn. Some lovely countryside and woods. We head off from Holtspur and soon enter the Holtspur Bank nature reserve, managed by local volunteers and the council. We continue into and around Cut throat woods. Very pretty. Narrow paths and one or two steeper downhills suggest poles could be useful. From here we enter a smaller separate area which is the butterfly reserve. Look out for many species mentioned. We are on the edge of the sewage works here but I can safely say there were no bad smells on the recce!! We then take the Chiltern way. Years ago I walked this section and was disgusted with the fly tipping along here. It is still a problem and sad our namesake path suffers this way. The good news is we soon leave this short sorry section behind and walk on quiet lanes through woods and will stop for lunch in Penn Jubilee woods where there are quite a few fallen logs. We then head towards Forty Green and along the road before walking back along the Chiltern way again. This upper section is clear of debris although we do have to pass the not so nice bit once again to get back. The last section is a bit of a stiff climb back uphill. There are 7 stiles and we will avoid several more by detouring the route along the road a short way.  Sections of the walk could be muddy and slippy after rain so sturdy boots and poles, if you use them, are recommended.

Ascent 290m

There is a local coffee shop, Thirst 4 coffee in Holtspur where we could have post walk refreshments if desired.

Well behaved dogs are allowed.

Walk Leader: Anne K